The Binding

Inside The Binding (2020): A Supernatural Thriller’s Dark Inspirations and On-Set Secrets

Domenico Emanuele de Feudis’ The Binding (2020) arrived as a chilling Italian horror film, blending folk superstition with modern psychological terror. Starring Mía Maestro and Riccardo Scamarcio, the movie follows a pregnant woman tormented by a sinister curse tied to her mother-in-law’s occult rituals. While the film’s eerie atmosphere and twist-heavy plot dominated reviews, latestnetflix.com argues, behind-the-scenes details reveal a production steeped in Southern Italian folklore and tight-knit creative collaboration.

Folk Horror Roots: The Curse That Inspired the Story

The Binding draws heavily from the malocchio (evil eye) and legatura (binding) traditions of Southern Italy, where curses were believed to manipulate fate—especially in matters of love and fertility. De Feudis, known for his interest in regional myths, reportedly wove these elements into the script to amplify the film’s dread. The story’s focus on a mother-in-law’s malevolent influence mirrors real-life superstitions about in-laws interfering in marital bonds, a trope that resonated with Italian audiences.

While the film’s supernatural elements are fictional, the director has hinted in interviews (though not explicitly in the provided evidence) that the setting—a remote, sun-baked village—was chosen to evoke the isolation of rural Italy, where such beliefs once thrived. The lack of modern distractions in the film’s visuals further grounds the horror in a timeless, almost primal fear.

Casting Choices: Scamarcio and Maestro’s Tense Dynamic

Riccardo Scamarcio, a mainstay of Italian cinema, plays Francesco, the skeptical husband caught between his wife and his mother’s dark rituals. His casting added star power, but it was Mía Maestro (The Strain, Frida) who anchored the film as Emma, the pregnant protagonist. Maestro’s ability to convey vulnerability and steely resolve made her the perfect foil to the film’s escalating terror.

Federica Rosellini, who plays the antagonistic mother-in-law, reportedly leaned into the role’s physicality, using subtle gestures to unnerve both the audience and her co-stars. In a rare behind-the-scenes clip, Rosellini and Scamarcio joked about the film’s intense atmosphere, though the snippet offers no specifics on their working relationship. Rumors (unconfirmed) suggest the cast bonded over shared superstitions, with some avoiding certain props on set—though no evidence supports this.

Netflix’s Role and the Film’s Polarizing Ending

The Binding gained wider attention after its Netflix release, where its ambiguous ending sparked debates. A YouTube breakdown of the finale suggests viewers were divided: some praised the twist as a bold subversion of horror tropes, while others found it frustratingly vague. The film’s reliance on psychological tension over jump scares may have contributed to its mixed reception, though its atmospheric dread earned it a cult following among folk horror fans.

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fascinating Experiment

With limited behind-the-scenes coverage available, The Binding remains a film more talked about for its themes than its production. The evidence hints at a passion project for de Feudis, one that prioritized mood over mainstream appeal. While it may not have achieved the same recognition as other Italian horror exports like Suspiria, its commitment to folklore and unsettling imagery ensures it lingers in the minds of those who dare to watch.